Portsmouth made it eight unbeaten in all competitions on Tuesday night as they beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in the EFL Trophy.
Pompey managed to secure a place in the last 16 thanks to a goal from Dane Scarlett before Zak Swanson sealed the victory in stoppage time to send Kieran McKenna’s side crashing out.
One player who wasn’t involved in the game was midfielder Marlon Pack, and his manager, Danny Cowley, believes it would have been "reckless" to include him in the 18-man team that went to Portman Road.
Pack has recently spent a month on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, an injury that saw him miss three League One games and the FA Cup first round win over Hereford at the beginning of the month.
The midfielder returned to action in the recent draws with Morecombe and Derby County, playing 90 minutes in both games.
Tuesday night was an opportunity for him not to be risked, according to Cowley, despite the Portsmouth boss being impressed with Pack’s recovery from injury.
Cowley told Portsmouth’s official website: “He’s done unbelievably well to come back, but it would have been reckless for him to play again in this one. Marlon has done some work back at the training ground and he’ll now join back with the rest of the group.”
Portsmouth will now be preparing to face MK Dons this Saturday in the second round of the FA Cup, and Pack will be looking to return to the first XI once again.
The Verdict
Pack has been a key part of Cowley’s team so far this season. The midfielder has returned to the club this summer and has brought his experience and know-how with him, which is vital in League One.
When he has been available, Pack has more or less played under Cowley, as the Pompey boss sees him as an integral part of his team and someone at this level who can get about and break up the play and use his experience when he’s on the ball.
Not playing him on Tuesday was a good call by the Pompey boss, as it meant the midfielder had a full week of rest, and the league will be Portsmouth’s priority this season, so it is essential players like Pack are kept fresh and fit for the upcoming league encounters.